SAM Parkin is not scheduled to be part of Town's summer clearout, although Andy King has admitted for the first time that losing his star striker is a 'distinct possibility'.

Three players have been told their services will not be required next season with two others treading a contract tightrope.

Goalkeeper Steve Book and midfielder Steve Robinson, both pictured, are free to look for new employers with a third unnamed individual also heading for the County Ground exit.

Alan Reeves is likely to stay, although a coaching rather than playing contract is expected to be thrust into his hands.

Two of those expected to be involved in tonight's clash with Bristol City have yet to convince their manager either way and could still either stay or be shown the door.

Of the players out of contract only Grant Smith has yet to have a 'chat' with King and that should take place within the next 24 hours.

As for Parkin, who still has one year to run on his current deal, King would love him to stay but is realistic enough to acknowledge that finances and a desire to perform at a higher grade could yet come into play.

He said: "We can't pay him the money here that he could earn elsewhere.

"Sam has done his apprenticeship here and probably deserves to play higher.

"The other side of it is that if I could get a team together that could convince him we're going to challenge next year then maybe I can keep him. I don't know which way it will fall with Sam.

"We know about Burnley. Parkin's a southern boy and I'm not sure he'd go anywhere."

"It is a distinct possibility we could lose him and then it's a total rebuilding job."

Offering Parkin, the target of a deadline day bid from Burnley, an extended deal is one option but King insists a balance has to be struck.

He said: "It isn't a one-man team. It is about the whole spirit of the club."

Those the manager wishes to keep have been given outline verbal deals with official offers likely to be printed up and handed out on Monday morning.

The players then have a month to officially accept or reject the contract on the table.

Of those definitely on their way King said: "Telling players is difficult. I've known some of them for five years. Some have stood by me through thick and thin but there's no sentiment in football.

"Players understand that. The threat of redundancy is there for the 15 years of your career and more so as a manager. You move on and look for more work. It's a difficult industry.

"Steve Robinson isn't going to be offered a contract and I've told Steve Book there isn't a contract for him.

"There's one other player who isn't getting a contract but he doesn't wish that to be divulged at this stage.

"Alan Reeves may move into coaching. That would be the only way he would get a player's contract next year. A couple of them are still in the balance in terms of their futures.

"Without doubt it's going to be difficult. In two, three or maybe four cases it's going to be a very, very close call. We can only go so far."